Overview
- Dana White, in a Wednesday livestream with Adin Ross, said Islam Makhachev’s claim that Ilia Topuria priced himself out was "not true" and added Makhachev’s hand injury rules him out until roughly August.
- The UFC confirmed Ilia Topuria will defend against interim champion Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification on June 14 on the White House South Lawn.
- Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa said the UFC first offered a choice between Gaethje or Makhachev with a low purse for either, then called late Friday saying Makhachev could not fight because of his hand, so the overnight negotiation was only for Gaethje.
- Makhachev maintains Topuria demanded an unrealistic payday, while Topuria called that a lie and said the welterweight champion looks like he is avoiding the matchup.
- Both sides say the superfight remains possible later this year, which would hinge on Makhachev’s recovery and a new deal after June’s Topuria–Gaethje headliner.